Laboratory Research Associate - 135744

The Moores Cancer Center (MCC) is one of just 57 NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States and the only one in San Diego County. As a consortium cancer center, it is a collaborative partnership between the UCSD: encompassing 28 departments, 6 schools (School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Public Health, Jacobs School of Engineering, School of Biological Sciences & the School of Physical Sciences), UCSD Health oncology hospitals and clinics; the basic and public health research and outreach of San Diego State University (SDSU), and the basic and translational research of the La Jolla Institute of Immunology (LJI). These various programs and units are all dedicated to fulfilling the Moores Cancer Center's mission of reducing cancer's burden. As such, it ranks among the top centers in the nation conducting the continuum of cancer research, providing advanced patient care, and serving the community through outreach and education programs. As a top-ranking, future-oriented organization, we offer challenging career opportunities in a fast-paced and innovative environment. Moores Cancer Center follows a progressive philosophy ofcareer-path development for its employees including opportunities for cross-training, professional development, and progressive responsibility.

MCC's mission is to transform cancer care in our catchment area and beyond by driving exceptional scientific discoveries and innovations in prevention, detection, care, and training. MCC will make a global impact on improving health by reducing cancer burden through accelerateddiscovery and translation, compassionate and interdisciplinary care, education and community engagement, with the foundation of our core values - Excellence, Innovation and Risk-Taking, Collaboration, Diversity and Service.

The Laboratory Research Associate will be expected to contribute to the independent design, conduct, and analysis of experiments related to squamous cell lung cancer in mouse and human models, as well as preparation, presentation, and publication of results under the direction of the Principal Investigator (PI). Make significant innovative contributions pertaining to the design and overall direction of scientific research projects and propose possible changes or new directions in the course of the investigations. Read and evaluate scientific articles relevant to current research studies, finding new sources of information. The incumbent will be responsible for applying or adapting scientific techniques and assisting with the planning and scheduling of research procedures, recording the results of studies, compiling and analyzing data and preparing charts and graphs. The incumbent will independently maintain and manage an animal breeding colony consisting of over 200 cages of animals, maintain laboratory equipment, order supplies as needed and assist laboratory management to provide support for students, postdocs and general laboratory operations. Others duties assigned as needed.

• Advanced theoretical knowledge and/or Bachelor's Degree in medicine, molecular biology, cancer biology, cell biology and histology and/or work experience.

• Demonstrated strong experience and knowledge in coordinating major mouse experiments, such as planning injection and drug treatment dosing schedule.

• Strong demonstrated experience using laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, spectrophotometers, balances, pH meters, autoclaves and electrophoresis equipment.

• Strong demonstrated experience performing DNA and protein characterization techniques using electrophoretic analysis.

• Demonstrated experience with protein biochemistry techniques; including quantification, ELISA assays, SDS PAGE, Western and Immunoblotting, phosphorylations and gel electrophoresis.

• Demonstrated experience performing sterile eukaryotic cell culture techniques, PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis.

• Demonstrated experience performing multi-parametric flow cytometry and cell sorting.

• Demonstrated experience in sectioning of paraffin embedded and frozen tissues with microtome and crytome equipment.

• Demonstrated experience using histological and immunohistochemical techniques to evaluate protein localization in fixed cells or tissues.

• Demonstrated experience performing light, fluorescence and confocal microscopy techniques to visualize protein expression in tissue sections.

• Detail-oriented. Demonstrated ability to follow verbal and/or written instructions, including follow-up on previously begun procedures. Demonstrated accurate record data and enter into appropriate medium.

• Demonstrated experience in proper handling of chemical and biohazard materials. Demonstrated experience with sterile techniques.

• Demonstrated experience to adhere to established UCSD guidelines for safety and environmental issues.

• Experience with computer software such as Excel and Prism to analyze data, store results and compute raw data.

• Demonstrated experience of computer applications such as Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Internet search and software analysis capabilities.

• Demonstrated experience handling and working with small animals, including demonstrated experience conducting mouse surgeries, experiments, and injections. Knowledge in conducting euthanization of small animals.

• Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) needed to interact professionally and effectively in the work environment, as well as to effectively and accurately document research procedures. Demonstrated ability to read, comprehend and discuss research materials.

• Demonstrated experience ordering and maintaining lab equipment and supplies.

• Experience in troubleshooting problems for quality control on every immunochemical and histochemical procedures.

• Must be willing and able to work with hazardous materials (biological and chemical).

• Must be willing and able to work with small animals.